For Immediate Release
June 14, 2005

Laurie Scott’s Private Members Bill Passes

Yesterday, Laurie Scott’s Private Members Bill passed third reading in the Ontario Legislature and received Royal Assent. The Apprenticeship and Certification Amendment Act, 2005 will lead to the development of a new apprenticeship program for people in the heating and fuel industries. The Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities has indicated that the apprenticeship program will be in place by the end of 2005.

Industry representatives from the natural gas, liquid propane, fuel oil, and heating-ventilation-air conditioning sectors as well as representatives from colleges throughout Ontario endorsed Laurie Scott’s proposal to develop a new apprenticeship program. It also had widespread support from all three parties.

The passage of a Private Members Bill is an uncommon occurrence in Ontario. Between 1968 and 2003 some 2617 private Members’ bills were introduced in the Ontario Legislature: of these only 62 were eventually passed into law. “I am very pleased that this bill is being passed,” said Laurie Scott. “The positive response the bill receives shows that there is a need to look at enlarging the number of apprenticeship programs.

Fuel technicians’ work with natural gas and oil fueled furnaces. They install them, repair them, and remove them. They also work with air-conditioners and ventilation systems. They enter our homes, schools, and businesses and provide essential services to us all. The materials that fuel technicians’ work with require them to be highly trained individuals. “Experts are forecasting a potential shortfall of one million skilled workers by the year 2020,” said Laurie Scott. “We are facing increasing demands for qualified people to safely service our furnaces, air-conditioners, and heating systems. A new apprenticeship program will help make sure that Ontario will have the skilled workers we need.”

The development of an apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry has occurred at an opportune time. Young adults are increasingly looking to the skilled trades for employment opportunities and need sufficient and accessible training programs to enter these areas. Ensuring that our education system supports training opportunities responds to this growing trend.

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